CLAIRE House Children’s Hospice has launched a weekly lottery to raise funds for much-needed beds.

The charity, which provides specialist and end-of-life care for babies, children and young people with life-shortening conditions, is hoping to raise £100,000.

Donor development manager Janet Abraham said: “Despite having a 10-bedroomed facility, Claire House currently operates eight beds, but would like to take this to a total of nine available at any one time in the very near future.

“Currently we care for more than 160 children. However, an extra bed will allow us to extend the service to more children and increase the opportunities for our existing families to stay at Claire House.”

Supporters of the Bebington-based hospice can enter the draw for £1 per week and will be sent a six-digit number.

A winning number will be selected each week and potential prizes range from £5 to £25,000.

Pat Faragher, director of fundraising, said: “To provide an extra bed 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, for the one-to-one care we specialise in, we need £100,000 on top of our current £2.5m annual running costs.

“Giving little and often is key to securing our future.”

Natalie and Peter McKeown from Upton, Chester, send daughter Cara, 11, to Claire House for 17 days a year.

The 11-year-old has Rett syndrome and is entirely dependent on her parents.

Peter said: “The days Cara spends at Claire House each year are like mini holidays for her. It is the only place we can leave Cara overnight with the peace of mind she will be well looked after.”